Mosul hits headlines as Iraq rebuilds after clashes and shocks to its ancient sites; a historic hub in Nineveh, on the Tigris. Population: over 1M, second-largest city in Iraq.
As of April 10, 2026, Iraq has emerged as a critical battleground in the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Iranian-backed militias and US forces have exchanged drone and airstrikes, killing hundreds including civilians, commanders, and UN peacekeepers. Iraq has authorized Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) to defend themselves and demands stronger government action to contain escalating violence.
A rocket launcher mounted on a burnt truck has been seized in Rabi’a, west of Mosul. Sources say it was used to fire seven rockets at the Rmeilan base in Syria, marking the first cross-border attack against U.S. troops in Syria since the start of the U.S.–Israel war with Iran. The broader regional retaliation has included exchanges between Iran, Israel and Gulf states.